Oh Snap!

Imagine my horror, my deeply rooted sense of shame, when it came to pass that I did a first of the month blog update, and forgot to announce the drawing winner!

I suppose I could blame it on my dismal sleep habits and complete lack of carbohydrates in my body (got glycogen?), which would probably account for why I am so forgetful, and cranky (truth be told) as of late. With a thousand apologies and a thousand more, I am sorry for skipping over that first of the month blog drawing, and will be making up for it by doing it this week! Also, last month's winner never told me what he wanted... *ahem*

Other than those things, I must quickly point out that I am starting this blog about an hour and a half late- you can thank some work dynamics for that one. If this comes out feeling rushed or a bit hurried or even heaven forbid--sloppy, just bear with me. I am exhausted, running on no sleep, and now in a hurry to boot. This does not equate to a bi-winning combination here. =(

What's Happening Valucre?

Spring Equinox - If you are looking for a way to kick off your spring season this year, Port Town has thrown together quite the event for our Valucrean members to attend! One and all are invited to threads involving multiple shows and events, including a sword dueling match. There are some rather unorthodox events as well, so you really should stop by this thread and go check it out!

Kuratel Academy of Martial Arts and Survival- Much in how the Gaian academy is a good place to start out a young character, this is a great place to put your young developing character of Genesaris. Do you want to justify having a well honed character who is tougher than nails and able to hold their own under almost any circumstances? Bring them to Kuratel, where some of the toughest people in Valucre reside. They'll make men out of your boys- and girls, for that matter.

Rulers and Activity Wanted- Terrenus- Supernal is looking to build upon activity and leadership roles taken within the continent of Terrenus, and has adopted a similar system to that which Genesaris is using. If you have interest in having some pull and sway in the dealings of one city or region of Terrenus, you really ought to come here and claim your stake.

Dystopian RP- A new member of ours has an interesting idea for a dsytopian sort of role-play, where things in our world have devolved back into medieval living and to top that off- a major revolution as well. Perhaps you can bring back paradise?

Power Rangers RP- Yes, someone is doing one- seriously. I know, it is the power rangers, and I was seriously tempted to look away, but because Stone is awesome and I have to be fair, I am pointing out that you have a power rangers RP coming your way. If you were ever big into power rangers, this is your chance.

Question of the Week!!!

So much for consistency. This week, not a single one of you answered the blog. I don't recall if this has ever happened before. Either way, I will repeat it for the posterity's sake.

"The next time we want to hold a writing contest, what theme would YOU like to see, and do you think this should continue to be free form, or we should hold a contest that is specific?"

With a lack of answers, I have nothing else to provide you in that regard. However, I did forget to determine a winner for last month's drawing (shameful of me). So, let us figure that out right now!

The winner is...

...

...

Lunadrakla!

Congratulations! I will contact you shortly and find out what you would like- 500vb, or a $5 E-card to any place I can use that option :P

Alright, new question: 

What was the most challenging thing you ever had to write (about)? 

Let us know!

Brand New Storytellers!

Well, this was originally supposed to be one, but we ended up needing two, as Soulbrand has now resigned, citing an excessively busy work schedule as conflicting with performing ST duties. We appreciate what Soulbrand brought to Valucre Storytellers and wish him the best. Because of his departure, I had to hire two new people instead of just one.

Give a friendly congratulations to The Hummingbird and Nameuser, your new storytellers :)

New Members and Returns!

Welcome, Fallen Angel

Welcome, Therelicofowls

Welcome, Luna

Welcome, Equinefreedom

Welcome, Morinehtar

Welcome, Epileptix Equinox

Welcome, HatsuneMiku

Welcome, Piccolo87

Welcome, Coci Sinopi

Welcome, Though Art Finished

Welcome, Missmist

Welcome, Thegoldenflower

Welcome, Sokunh

Welcome, LuluRoax

Welcome, Tyrannus

Welcome, Dyrus

Welcome, Turret 

Welcome, Kensaki

Returns:


Welcome back, Phoxphyre

Welcome back, Soap MacTavish

Wow! We had more in one week than we did in the previous two weeks- and the previous two weeks were decent. This week, we had 18 new members and 2 older member returns. Not quite a record, as I think the record was 21 new folks. 18, however, is certainly a fine number to go with, and I will happily take it. :)

Other Highlights?

New Blog Entries- Well, if you feel like you just cannot get enough of blogging, I implore you to redirect your attention back over to Val. Valucre boasts blogs for the members as well, and you can see who has recently posted a blog entry simply by clicking 'New Blog Entries' found on the right side, after you have already clicked, 'See New Posts'.

Did You Know- That Valucre uses a reputation system as a fun little system of showing appreciation, or shared humor, with other members of the site. You can read more of it here or check out the other 'Did You Knows' to learn more stuff. 

Closing Thoughts?

Forgive me for how brief this one will be, but I simply do not have it in me to write anything of great length today, nor do I have the time for that matter. :(

Today, I thought I would point out the benefit observation brings to your writing. If you think about it, writing about something you have never seen or experienced is much more difficult than it is to write about things you have encountered. It makes sense- if you have observed something, you can write out those observations for your reader, whereas if you have not observed something, you have to do your best to make a guess as to how to capture that element. Research can help in this sometimes, but there are just things that you most benefit from seeing.

What does that amount to?

Two things

First, get out and experience the world. The only way to build up life experience is to actually go out and experience life. Somewhere between those days of shutting yourself in so you can just write and write, you have to go outside and see the world. Take a trip, go to a museum or visit a zoo- do something fun and different. You don’t have to be a world traveler to reap benefits- you just have to get out there and do something.

The second is going out and watching people. Capturing personality traits of people is something that you can do without observing anyone beyond daily interactions of life, but I think that a lot can be said for going out and people watching. Look at how the communicate, how his or her body positions change as the talk to someone. Listen to the words they use, the way they use them, their voice and tone. You can learn a great deal by watching people, and see an entire spectrum of different people to insert into your stories.

The more lifelike they are the more believable and real they are to your reader.

That is all I really have for today. Absolutely pathetic, I know, and again, I am sorry. This is a tough week for me, and this evening has not gone well either

Promise to work at putting something much better next week- :)

- Acies

"Characterization is an accident that flows out of action and dialogue." 

 ~Jack Woodford